The Danube Tower Vienna was built for the Vienna International Garden Show in 1964 and remains one of the city’s most famous landmarks today. At 252 metres, it is the tallest structure in Austria and uniquely combines architecture, engineering, panoramic views and Viennese history.
The History of the Danube Tower
The Danube Tower was built between October 1962 and April 1964 and officially opened on 16 April 1964 by the then Mayor of Vienna, Franz Jonas. The lead architect was Prof. Hannes Lintl. The tower was created as a highlight of the Vienna International Garden Show 1964 and has shaped Vienna’s skyline ever since.
The Danube Tower and the Vienna International Garden Show 1964
The Vienna International Garden Show, known as WIG 64, transformed a previously neglected area by the Danube into today’s Donaupark. The Danube Tower was built as a highlight and orientation point of the garden show and offered visitors a completely new perspective of Vienna from the very beginning.
From the Danube Area to the Donaupark
With WIG 64, the area by the Danube was transformed into a spacious recreational park. The Danube Tower rose above the newly created Donaupark and quickly became a striking symbol of progress, engineering and modern leisure culture.
A Landmark of the 1960s
The 1960s were shaped by progress, new technologies and architectural experimentation. The Danube Tower still reflects this spirit today – as an engineering structure, viewing tower and symbol of modern post-war Vienna.
Planning and Architecture of the Danube Tower
The lead architect of the Danube Tower was Viennese architect Prof. Hannes Lintl. Its design language was inspired by television towers in major international cities, yet the Danube Tower was primarily conceived as a viewing tower for leisure, recreation and special experiences.
Architect Prof. Hannes Lintl
Prof. Hannes Lintl created one of Vienna’s best-known structures with the Danube Tower. The slender tower shape, clear technical aesthetic and high viewing levels make the Danube Tower unmistakable to this day.
Viewing Tower Instead of Television Tower
Although its shape is reminiscent of television towers, the Danube Tower was never used as a platform for TV broadcasting systems. It has always been primarily a viewing tower and a place for leisure, dining and special experience
Construction of the Danube Tower from 1962 to 1964
Construction of the Danube Tower lasted from October 1962 to April 1964. Around 3,750 m³ of concrete and 514 tonnes of reinforcing steel were used. On 16 April 1964, the Danube Tower was officially opened.
Opening on 16 April 1964
The official opening of the Danube Tower took place on 16 April 1964. The tower was opened by the then Mayor of Vienna, Franz Jonas – in time for the Vienna International Garden Show 1964.
Engineering Achievement During Construction
With a total height of 252 metres, an 8-metre-deep foundation and an overall weight of 17,600 tonnes, the Danube Tower was already an impressive engineering structure when it opened.
Historic Insights into the Construction of the Danube Tower
The Danube Tower in Numbers
The Danube Tower is 252 metres high, making it the tallest structure in Austria. The central level is located at 165 metres, Turm Café at 160 metres and the revolving Turm Restaurant at 170 metres. The viewing terraces are located at 150 and 155 metres.
Height, Levels and Views
- 252 m total height – making the Danube Tower Austria’s tallest structure
- 170 m height of Turm Restaurant
- 165 m height of the central level
- 160 m height of Turm Café
- 155 m and 150 m height of the viewing terraces
- 80 km visibility in good weather
- The Vienna International Centre is around 126 m lower than the Danube Tower
Construction, Structure and Engineering
- 16 April 1964 official opening of the Danube Tower
- 18 months construction period from 1962 to 1964
- 17,600 tonnes total weight of the tower
- 514 tonnes of reinforcing steel were used
- 3,750 m³ of concrete were used for construction
- 8 m deep and 31 m in diameter foundation
- The tower diameter is 12 m at ground level and around 6 m at 160 m height
- 2018 complete renovation and extension of the base area
Express Lifts and Staircase
- 2 express lifts take visitors up the tower
- Each lift carries up to 15 people including lift staff
- The lifts travel at 6.2 m/s
- One ride takes around 35 seconds
- Up to 900 people per hour can be transported
- The staircase has 779 steps
Visits, Dining and Experience
- Around 420,000 visitors come to the Danube Tower on average each year
- The average visit lasts 108 minutes
- Turm Café and Turm Restaurant complete one full rotation in 29, 39 or 52 minutes, depending on speed
- An average of 6 marriage proposals per week take place at the Danube Tower
The Danube Tower in the 1960s and 1970s
Modernisation and Renovation of the Danube Tower
In 2018, the Danube Tower was extensively modernised and expanded. The visitor and viewing experience was enhanced with new entertainment options, information screens and modernised areas. Turm Café and Turm Restaurant were restored to the elegant style of the 1960s.
Restoring the Style of the 1960s
As part of the renovation, key areas of the Danube Tower were visually adapted to reflect the elegant character of the 1960s. Today, the tower combines historical identity with contemporary comfort.
Investment in the Future of the Landmark
Around 10 million euros were invested in modernisation, technical adaptations and the redesign of dining and visitor areas.
The Danube Tower Today
Today, the Danube Tower remains Austria’s tallest structure at 252 metres and is one of Vienna’s best-known excursion destinations. The viewing terrace at 150 metres, Turm Café at 160 metres, Turm Restaurant at 170 metres and further experiences make the Danube Tower a versatile place for views, dining and events. Since 2023, the Danube Tower Slide has added a new highlight, offering thrills high above Vienna.
Heritage Protection and Historical Significance
The Danube Tower is one of Vienna’s landmarks and has been a listed monument since 2001. Renovations and modernisations are therefore carried out in close coordination with the Austrian Federal Monuments Authority in order to preserve the tower’s historical and architectural significance.
Discover More about History, Engineering and Architecture
The Danube Tower combines its historical significance with modern ways of sharing knowledge. Visitors can explore the history, engineering and architecture of Austria’s tallest structure not only on the website, but also digitally and on site.
The Digital Danube Tower Guide
With the digital Danube Tower Guide, visitors can discover exciting information about Vienna’s tallest landmark directly on their smartphone. The guide explains the history, engineering and architecture of the Danube Tower in a clear and accessible way and enhances the visit with photos, videos, fun facts and interactive content. No app download is required; the guide runs directly in the browser.
Discover the Digital Danube Tower Guide
Guided Tour: Experience an Engineering Masterpiece Up Close
During the guided tour “Experience an Engineering Masterpiece Up Close”, visitors receive expert insights into the construction, building process and engineering of the Danube Tower. The tour explains technical background, structural details and rare facts about the creation of the 252-metre Viennese landmark.
Discover the guided tour
